Hard work, dedication and loyal customers have been the ingredients to the success of a Leigh Indian restaurant celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The family-run Taj Mahal was started by Noor Uddin and his brother Shams in May 1973 - making it the town’s first Indian restaurant and now the oldest across Southend.

For half a century, the spicy aromas from the flavoursome, quality, traditional cuisine dishes have been pumping out Leigh Road - drawing in many guests from all over the area, including Rayleigh and Benfleet.

A popular choice among the restaurants users is the classic creamy chicken tikka masala and a spicy piri-piri dansak.

As soon as customers step foot into the venue, a warm, comfortable, modern space greets them before the professional and friendly hospitality kicks off leaving diners with a “wonderfully memorable” experience.

Owner Khairul Uddin, Noor’s son who took control of the business after his father retired, has spoken out on how the family have pulled in lovers of Indian cuisine for 50 years.

He said: “We have lasted for so long because our number one priority is the quality of our food and the restaurant.

“People say how great it was and send me messages to say thank you.

“The hard work is also a big part of our success."

As well as those sending management messages, people have been quick to take to TripAdvisor to voice their opinions the restaurant.

To commemorate the milestone, an anniversary party was thrown on May 15 and present included the newly-elected Southend mayor Stephen Habermel.

Reflecting on 50 years of the Taj Mahal, Khairul said: “It’s a big achievement, not only for us as a family, but as a team.

“Being the first Indian restaurant in Leigh, I feel very proud, it’s a great honour.

“Thank you to everyone for your support.”

The Taj Mahal originally started off life as an Indian cafe, but then it “fully went to a restaurant after a few years as high demand was there.”

Speaking about why his father launched the business, Khairul said: “He worked in Indian restaurants and learnt the trade.

“At the time, it [Indian takeaways and restaurants] was a very new thing in the UK.”